Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dr. DickinsonDr. Brittany Dickinson is one of the finest cosmetic dentists in the city of Chicago. A graduate of the University of Florida, as well as the London School of Economics, Dr. Brittany loves continuing her education year after year. She holds degrees in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Business, and Medical Sciences in addition to her dental education. She has several publications in the field of Periodontal Disease research and is a graduate of numerous additional cosmetic programs including The Dawson Academy in Tampa, Aesthetic Advantage in Manhattan, and FMR Full Mouth Rehabilitation. She is also an American Academy of Facial Aesthetics certified injector for Botox and Fillers.
What is your greatest achievement?
Leaving behind everything in Florida to pursue my dream of practicing in Chicago. I didn't know a single soul here! In the last seven years, I've built the most wonderful relationships with people as well as an extraordinary cosmetic dental practice.
What is the future of your field?
Dentistry’s future is in prevention and regeneration. There is so much research being done on products to prevent cavities as well as regenerate bone and gum loss. There are already a few procedures we can use for regeneration. I have most of my patients on a prescription fluoride toothpaste to fight cavities and acid erosion, I use PDL threads to induce collagen and fight lip lines, I also use antimicrobial mouth rinses to decrease inflammation in the gums. I spend a lot of one on one time educating my patient's about the current health of their mouth and what little lifestyle tweaks they can make to improve their health. I always tell my patients that my goal is that after we take care of their initial cavities, they’ll never have a cavity again. I want to use every tool in our box for prevention so their new smile will last!
What is the biggest misconception about your field?
That cosmetic dentistry is one size fits all. What I do is so customized, and that becomes evident during my consultations. I draw out your plan on the photos we take of you in real-time. Every patient is surprised that I (not a dental lab) am the one designing their smile. I use their natural teeth, their face, and their personality to influence the ending design of their new smile. This way their new smile acts to enhance their natural beauty.
What are your most requested procedures?
Hands down, my most requested procedure is veneers. Porcelain veneers have gained so much popularity, and the general public is so well informed about what the procedure can do for them. When a patient schedules a consultation, they frequently know what they want to be changed about their smile and what their options are to accomplish that. Personally, I am known for creating very natural-looking smiles, so most people who come for a consultation with me are looking for exactly that.
What are you best known for?
I’m mostly known for multi-step cosmetic dentistry. I have several procedures; whitening, Invisalign, laser gum augmentation, botox and fillers, and porcelain veneers. I utilize a combination of these to give the most conservative option for the optimal result. I find that in the end, the small amount of extra time is worth it to have their dream smile realized.
What is your most memorable patient reaction?
I had a patient who had veneers done somewhere else and felt that she lost the character of her smile. She brought in a photo of herself in her 20's (she was now in her 60's) and asked if I could make her smile look like that again. A lot of changes occur to a person's facial structure in 40 years! It took a combination of Invisalign, veneers, and fillers to restore her to her original smile. In the end, she was so happy that she cried, hugged me, and said she felt like herself for the first time in decades. Moments like this are why I love cosmetic dentistry.
What sets your practice apart?
My practice is designed to be an oasis for my patients. Oftentimes dental procedures are anxiety-inducing, and I wanted to change that. From the fresh flowers and scented candles to our warm neck pillows and Netflix with Bose noise-canceling headphones, every detail is for your comfort. When you walk into Sugar Fix, it feels like you’re in a home, which you are! You’re a guest in my home, and I’m here to take care of you.
I am completely focused on you when you're here. When I'm doing your teeth, there are no distractions, you are my whole world for that time. I schedule smile makeover days when there are no cleanings or other guests in our loft. It's a totally private experience and you have my complete attention.
What do you love most about your profession?
I love that what I do changes my patient’s life. Oftentimes, patients come to me for cosmetic dentistry during a turning point in their life. Maybe they are getting married, or just earned a huge promotion, or maybe after a life of sacrificing for others, they’re ready to put themselves first again. I love being a part of their story. I not only give them a flawless smile, but I also give them the confidence to step into their new life.
What new services are you excited to offer?
I’m excited to offer Botox for migraines and TMJ. I started using Botox to treat TMJ about three years ago. It's a wonderful option for those patients who clench their teeth during the day or simply cannot tolerate wearing a nightguard while they sleep. I typically have a nightguard made at the end of all my full mouth rehabilitations or veneers, but it doesn’t fit into everyone’s schedule. Botox is a wonderful solution!
